Chapter 16 Ariah
ARIAH
Aten-foot tall birdcage is set in the middle of the room—the golden bars house birds of various colors and sizes, jumping from branch to branch of the tree within the boundary.
Walls are lined with bookshelves and tables.
Atop each table is some form of art—ceramic ware, paintings, sculptures—or terrariums. There is an overwhelming number of terrariums in the room, which adds life to the chamber.
I was expecting gloominess. Dark colors for a dark soul, but it’s suspiciously bright.
Rounding the birdcage, I see Vera and Sky waiting on steps that lead up to a desk the Queen is writing away at.
Vera looks over and tosses me a malicious grin, but I cut it off with a bow I offer the Queen.
“King Marcel II of Saden has declined my invitation to join us for a ball to end our kingdoms’ long-running rivalry.
However, he is for ending the feud. In exchange, he is sending not one, but two of his sons.
Prince Marcel and Prince Iann.” She stands, displaying another jaw-dropping outfit that is more elegant than all the outfits I’ve seen yet in this kingdom.
Bending over, she scoops up the same kit I saw her with when I arrived.
“We are scheduled to receive them tomorrow, and the ball shall be in a weeks’ time.
Vera, you are to escort Prince Marcel during his time here.
Show him everything Haymel has to offer.
” I catch the side eye Sky throws Vera’s way but my vision snaps back to the Queen when she calls my name.
“Ariah, congratulations, you have your first task. You are to be Prince Iann’s escort during his visit.
Like Vera, your only goal is to focus on him, and him alone.
You both are to keep the princes happy at all costs. ” She descends a few steps.
At all costs?
There have been stories over the years of the three Saden princes. Each with a hunger for sovereignty and a thirst for riches and an appreciation for late night company. Bedding anyone they please just because they can. Possessing both women’s hearts and an overabundance of great treasures.
I’ve known one man my entire life. A drunken, foolish mistake I made nearly three years ago.
So awful and not worth the memory because I can’t even recall the poor bloke’s name, and I remember almost everything.
I want to say it was Timothee…no, Thorton.
Whatever it was, the two things I can’t get out of my head are the scent of strawberry wine and vomit, a sickening combination.
I grimace, tossing the memory away once again.
“While this visit seems like a promising one for our kingdoms, my excitement is reserved. The former Saden king and his vile wife were responsible for the deaths of my parents. I was named the ‘Orphan Queen’ because of them.” A vein twitches in her neck.
“I have no issues ending the feud, but I don’t trust anyone from Saden, especially those in line to rule the kingdom.
If they are plotting against my crown, I want to know everything.
You are to intercept their letters, listen in to conversations not meant for you, and drag out any possible secrets that might pose a threat to Haymel.
Sky you are to tamper with their drinks and food, causing them to have looser lips.
And Chana, do what you do best. Find things hidden in the shadows.
” Simultaneously, we all nod. “Now, you may go and prepare for tomorrow. Everyone except Ariah.”
It isn’t until the door shuts that she moves off the steps and towards me.
“Tea.” She continues to the other end of the room and disappears behind a wall. Taking it as a command and not a question, I rush to follow.
We find ourselves in a circular room with walls made of glass, the space overlooks one of the many gardens on the property. In the center is a table, and the one wall that isn’t made of glass holds a floral print that looks overdue for a replacement.
The Queen sits and places the fox in her lap. With the slightest head flick from her, she has me rushing to my seat as she begins pouring the steaming liquid into a cup as I get comfortable.
“Cream?” She pours some into her cup and holds it up, waiting for my answer.
“Umm, yes, please.” Once the cream is in, she goes for the sugar, dropping a teaspoon in hers and then holds it out waiting for me again. “No, thank you. Not a fan of it in my tea.”
Whatever I say makes her smile. “Your mother was the same way. Said it ruined it.” There is an instant longing for home at the mention of my mother. “Tell me Ariah, how are you getting on with the other members?”
“Chana is helpful.” I blow on my tea and take a quick sip. Her eyes pierce mine, so I swallow quickly. “Sky is still a mystery and Vera is…Vera is maniacal.” I’m blunt and not sure if I went too far on the Vera part.
“Vera is fiery, which is why she’s so good at what she does. Her mother was a Fox, just like yours. Partners at one point.”
“So, I’ve been told.” Reflexively my hand goes to my throat, still feeling the bite of Vera’s blade.
“I have no doubt Vera will share the story with you at some point.” The Queen’s smile is wicked, but she lets it fade away to sip on her tea.
“Anyway”—she perks up and sets her cup down— “I am here to make good on one of my promises. The ball will be a masquerade and the most important people in Haymel have been invited. Fine occasions call for fine outfits.” She pauses to butter a biscuit and admires the blissfulness beyond the glass wall.
“Ariah, you are to design a dress for me to wear to the ball, as well as design one for each of the Foxes, including yourself.”
All the tea in my mouth nearly comes flying out. “Me? You want to wear something I design to the ball?”
“That was the agreement, was it not?”
“I remember. I just didn’t think…”
“That I would make good on my promise.” She bites into the biscuit, wiping away any crumbs with a napkin.
“I do what I say I’m going to do, and I expect the same from others.
Now, remember you are still in training, and with the princes arriving tomorrow, you will need to find time to create these pieces when you’re not busy.
You start slacking and I’ll make other arrangements.
” I nod, finishing up the tea in my cup.
“Good. I will have Ernessa, one of my ladies-in-waiting, show you where you can find the sewing room you’ll be working in.
” She picks up the teapot. Steam rolls up, and I catch her glance at me. “Don’t disappoint me.”
I might not be any good at being a Fox, but I know how to design a dress. Disappointment is something she won’t feel when she sees what I have in mind.